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Find your spiritual
IN DELAWARE Despite being a “small wonder,” Delaware is filled with many synagogue options. home
TRADITIONAL: ADAS KODESCH SHEL EMETH Wilmington 302-762-2705 | AKSE.org RECONSTRUCTIONIST: TEMPLE BETH EL Newark 302-366-8330 | TBEDE.org REFORM: CONGREGATION BETH EMETH Wilmington 302-764-2393 | BethEmethDE.org CONSERVATIVE: CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM Wilmington 302-654-4462 | CBSWilmDE.org CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM Dover 302-734-5578 | CBSDover.net
The 2024 JMU Hillel board, the first “official” board since Emily arrived at JMU
The 2025 JMU Hillel board
The common thread through all these stories is the joy of being a part of something greater than oneself. Being Jewish is a unique gift, but sharing that Judaism with others creates something otherworldly. It turns an ancient tradition into a living, breathing support system that carries us through the challenges of college life. JMU Hillel has been a defining passion project, teaching me that perseverance and vision can truly reshape campus culture. I am incredibly proud of what my peers and I have built, and I hope this organization continues to thrive as a safe haven long after I am gone. Looking back, I realize that in rebuilding Hillel, I wasn't just building an organization; I was building the home I had been looking for since I left Delaware. .
What started as a small group has grown into a family and a home for many. To illustrate the impact of this community beyond my own journey, I asked my peers to share their experiences: Abby Stern (Sophomore): “My relationship with Judaism has been strengthened greatly since coming to JMU. Being in Hillel has not only helped me connect with Judaism but also enables me to help others connect to Judaism.” Abby joined the board in the winter of her freshman year and has given her all to planning events that make Jewish students feel seen. Maggie Hessberg (Sophomore): “Immediately after going to my first JMU Hillel event, I felt welcomed and eager to participate more. JMU Hillel has created such an open space where everyone can be themselves and it is such an amazing community.” Maggie’s dedication to helping others find their Jewish identity has been a cornerstone of our board. Zach Ginsburg (Senior): “JMU Hillel is a chosen family. Our community is warm, tight-knit, encouraging, and truly there for you when you need it.” As a founding member, Zach has seen the “vibe” of our community evolve into the accepting, low-stakes, and loving environment it is today. Halle Schwartzman (Senior): “Not having a space for Jewish students on campus would have felt like an empty hole in a vibrant community. This was a priority of mine and I am so glad that it is now in such a good place compared to when we started.” I will always attribute the “rebirth” of JMU Hillel to Halle’s two years as president. She set the foundation upon which we all stand.
CHABAD LUBAVITCH: CHABAD OF DELAWARE Wilmington 302-529-9900 | ChabadDE.com CHABAD OF SOUTHERN DELAWARE Lewes 302-377-1162 | JewishSouthernDelaware.com HAVURAH: CHESTERTOWN HAVURAH 443-837-5186 | facebook.com/ChestertownHavurah COMMUNITY HAVURAH OF DELAWARE CommunityHavurah.org MOT REGIONAL H AVURAH Middletown, Odessa, Townsend | MOTHavurah@gmail.com UNAFFILIATED: SEASIDE JEWISH COMMUNITY Rehoboth Beach 302-226-8977 | SeasideJewishCommunity.com
About the Author: EMILY SIMON is a JMU senior and aspiring LCSW from Lewes. She is a Psychology major who is passionate about supporting and working with children. When she’s not studying, Emily can be found hiking, working out, or enjoying quality time with her friends and family.
JOIN A SYNAGOGUE. GET CONNECTED. BE INSPIRED.
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MARCH 2026 | JEWISH LIVING DELAWARE | ShalomDelaware.org
ShalomDelaware.org | JEWISH LIVING DELAWARE | MARCH 2026
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